News / Exhibitions

Paddington Art Prize 2026 - Sculpture
Winner of the Honourable Mention Prize
I am thrilled to announce that I received the
$3000 Honourable Mention Prize
at the 2026 Paddington Art Prize- Sculpture.
Sculpture inspired by the Australian Landscape.  
Presented by The Paddington Art Prize.

Artist Statement

“I reconstruct reclaimed textiles and bind them with resin, transforming them into contemporary sculptural objects. My practice explores biological systems, permanence and transformation.”

About

Eugenie Kawabata is an Australian contemporary artist and designer based in Naarm/Melbourne. Her practice transforms reclaimed textiles into sculptural works that occupy the space between sculpture, design object and imagined artefact.

Her practice investigates the quiet, often overlooked dialogues within the natural world, amplifying the subtle and the hidden through material expression.

Blending traditional craftsmanship with experimental processes, she engages with reclaimed textiles to reimagine their potential. Through stitching, dyeing, painting and resin, the material takes on new form and possibility. Her practice is grounded in a tactile, hands on approach that is both physical and visceral.

Kawabata is available for private, commercial and site specific commissions, including sculptural artworks, lighting and design objects. Please get in touch to discuss a project.

Photo credits:
Adrian Lander - Botanica Exotica: Takayna, 2025, Botanica Exotica: Strange Garden, 2026, & portrait
Ben Teo, Botanica Exotica, High House Singapore - 2023